National Seniors Australia Frankston Branch

Merry Christmas

2011-11-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

From our family at Frankston Branch,

we wish you a very Merry Christmas

and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Out and About

2011-11-18T19:59:00.000-08:00

We have been busy over these past couple of months: October had us riding the South Gippsland Railway with stopovers at Nyora and Korumburra.


Plenty of seats over three carriages to move around for a chat

November had us munching on delicious scones, cream and strawberry jam at the Strawberry Farm,

before heading to Seawinds Park at Red Hill for a BBQ lunch. We rounded off the day with a visit to Main Ridge to feed baby goats and taste a variety of goats cheese.

Joe & Roy get some help from Andrew, our driver.

Just some of the hungry members waiting to be feed.

Feeding the Kids!

Coming up is our last meeting in November, a "chat n chew" on mince pies, fruit cake and shortbread. No point in having a speaker, he/she would never be heard over the chatter. Then to round off the year our Breakup Christmas Party at "The Elizabethan" at Warrigal.

Our Latest Committee

2011-11-18T18:45:00.000-08:00

Our Annual General Meeting welcomed three new members to committee: Jo, Gina and Brenda. Jo and Brenda have taken up positions on the membership tables to record member attendances; Gina is to assist Carol with the Newsletter and Blog. New blood is always welcome and we hope for some fresh ideas to serve our members.

From left to right: Jo, President Roy, Secretary Marion, Vice President John, Carol, Lorraine, Brenda, Gina, Treasurer Pat, Toni, Win, Rae, Margaret. Missing is Des who manages our speaker program.

2011-09-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Roy and Doreen McLaren on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary

2011-09-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

Fly TAA the Friendly Way

The original uniform in 1946

The 1960s and 70s

President Roy tries out the cockpit

Over the past few months we've had some wonderful days out. A very informative trip to the Jewish Museum and tour of the Synagogue was fantastic and we highly recommend it. Unfortunately, no pictures to share though.

Our most recent trip was to the TAA Museum at Airport West with lunch at Moonee Valley Race Course. This was a lovely trip down memory lane with ex TAA staff who have heaps of stories to relate. The museum is chocka and has a short informative film, heaps of uniforms and the one I like, Wedgewood china which was used on the early flights. WOW!!

We have some really good trips coming up and leading to our big Christmas Bash in December. So stop thinking about it, come along and join in the fun.

2011-09-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

Carol feeds a Poddie Calf at Warook Cattle Farm

This chap can sheer without using his hands!

It's all smiles at Warook Cattle Farm

Staff join in us for a dance

How many Santa's does it take to form a conga line?

Win (Social Coordinator) leads the way.

As you can see, Frankston Branch had the best of times at their Christmas in July held at Warook Cattle Farm this year. The venue is a favourite as the food is fantastic and as you can see, the staff are fun too. If you love animals, then the tour before lunch is a must with sheep dogs trials, cows, poddies, horses, kangaroos and a sheep sheering demonstation. All in all, another fantastic day out.

The question of being Green

2011-06-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The woman apologised to him and explained,

"We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. The former generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right, that generation didn't have the green thing in its day. Back then, they returned their milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But they didn't have the green thing back in that customer's day. In her day, they walked up stairs, because they didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.

But she was right. They didn't have the green thing in her day.

Back then, they washed babies nappies because they didn't have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts - wind and solar power really did dry the clothes.

Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right; they didn't have the green thing back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV or radio, in the house - not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief, not a screen the size of the state of Queensland.

In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didn't have electric machines to do everything. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, they didn't fire up an engine and burn petrol just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she's right; they didn't have the green thing back then.

They drank from a tap or fountain when they were thirsty instead of using a

polystyrene cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water.

They refilled their writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the tram or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or took the school bus or walked instead of turning their mums into a 24-hour taxi service.

They had one or two electrical outlets in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.

And they didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful the old folks were, just because they didn't have the green thing back then?

2011-05-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

There are so many of us as at Frankston Branch who have shared in the mayhem that was Queen Bee’s rule. The trips, the morning teas, and the short holidays away, the morning melodies and luncheons and end of year play. Also, the movie trips and the New Year’s Eve Parties at the RSL in the early days, and so much more that my head is spinning just thinking of them all.

And what about those hats, the Santa Suites, the flashing ear-rings, the T-shirts, the not so subtle reminders of an upcoming birthday, and the delighted surprise when we dared not forget.

The hard work and energy put into raising money for charity. The complete confidence those letters would be answered, businesses would donate and people would give, not to was not an option. Often outrageous and pushy, always bossy, she certainly got things done, and she certainly earned her title of Queen Bee. But there was warmth, genuine caring and generosity too.

But most of all it was the fun. Gwen had the knack of bringing people together and simply being part of this sometimes chaotic group, was fun. So thank you Gwen for all the memories and the laughter.

Carol Pulis

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T16:15:00.000-08:00

All quiet while eating!

Ladies(?) of the committee behaving disgracefully!

Yodel laaidee!

Our end of year Christmas Party at the Cuckoo was a lot of fun. Two coaches transported our noisy members to the venue. There was heaps on the menu to chose from and tummy's were stretched to capacity with seconds. A good day to let your hair down and just enjoy the festive season. A good ol' sing-a-long and plenty of chatter rounded off another fabulous day out.

Dorothy (93 years young) & Betty

Dick & Daphne Miller

A big "Thank You" to Win, our events coordinator.

The Frankston Branch

2010-11-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

Carol steps down as President

Carol thanks the members as she steps down as President of Frankston Branch and hands over to Roy MacLaren.
Frankston Branch has a large following, however, numbers can fluctuate depending on the time of year. Several members head north over the winter months, avoiding the worst of our Melbourne weather.
Unfortunately, there are always members on our sick list, but Dick and his wife Daphne do an excellent job of visiting and telephoning these members, just to let them know we are thinking of them.
The Branch runs smoothly with a very competent committee who have been serving for some years, however recently two rookies have been recruited, Marion, who took over as secretary and has done a wonderful job. Marion has never done anything like this before, and Lorraine who will assist Win with the trips and other activities planning.


A typical Branch meeting

Des does a wonderful job of securing a variety speakers, sometimes having them come back as they have so much to share.

We are a very friendly group who welcome new members and visitors into the fold. In this day and age, there simply isn't any excuse to sit at home alone, much better to make friends and enjoy yourself..

Tallangatta

2010-11-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

Maggie makes sure Tony doesn't stray!

Tallangatta nestles in the valley

A small group of 16 women and one very brave male travelled up to Tallangatta for a week's R&R, and what fun we all had.
Our wonderful hosts at the Tallangatta Motor Inn were Cathy, Ward and daughter, Caitlyn, who is a star in the making. Ward also drives the coach which transported us to all the main attractions in the upper East of Victoria, taking in Myrtleford, Bright, Mount Beauty, Beechworth and heaps more.

Pat, Betty and Coral politely discuss the footy final!

Every day was a delightful experience. And the morning or afternoon teas! I've never eaten so many lovely, huge scones with country fresh cream and jam.

Tallangatta itself is a very pretty town surrounded by soft green hills and sparkling water. And to cap it all off, the sun came out and stayed out all week.

A free glass of wine with dinner is always welcome

If you're looking for a no frills, short break with lots of country hospitality, we can highly recommend Ward and the Tallangatta Motor Inn.

Just some of our happy travellers

Police Band hit the Right Note

2010-09-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

In Concert

The Victorian Police Band hit all the right notes at their 'Operation Harmony' concert at the Frankston Arts Centre on Father's Day.
Always a good afternoon out, the Band plays a huge variety from bagpipes to musicals, Sting to The Flower Duet by Delibes (better known as the British Airway theme song), some nifty Guitar and Drum highlights to some slightly risqué jokes.
Besides being a highly entertaining group, the Band raise money for Victorian communities, this year raising in excess of $200.000. All in all, a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. Thanks to Gwen who always arranges this event for us.

Doing the 'NutBush'

Got that Sinking Feeling?

2010-08-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Carol holds up her boarding pass...she was not amongst the survivors!

Titanic always invokes curiosity. On a freezing cold night 98 years ago the most famous ship in the world sank taking most of her passengers and crew with her. The current exhibition in Melbourne is well worth a visit with lots of information and stories about passengers, and of course, personal items and recovered parts of the great ship.
Carol, Win and a small group braved Melbourne weather and Metlink to travel up from Frankston. Each were given a boarding pass with a passengers name and details. The final room displays a large board of all passengers and whether or not they survived. One of our party had the boarding pass for the famous Unsinkable Molly (Margaret) Brown and another the equally famous, Lord Astor.
Another great outing.

The Grand Staircase, 1st Class, Naturally

Order in the House

2010-08-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

Some Right Wing activists plan their next move!

Secretary Marion gives a Press Interview.

What would you do if you could run Parliament for a day? Dr Alistair Harkness MP, met and gave show bags to all before we all filed into the Lower House and the wonderful opportunity to literally sit in the seats of power. Needless to say there was great discussion on whose seat we were sitting and what we would do.
Our guide, Ray, was a wealth of knowledge and wonderful gossip. And no, he didn't give away any state secrets, all his gossip was strictly historical and architectural, but there were some juicy bits.
We were allowed to sit, touch and pose and I think everyone made good use of the invitation. The only item we could not touch was the royal chair in the Upper House - Royal Derrières only.

President Carol calls for Order in the House!

Our luncheon was delicious, hot and plentiful, and served with a nice glass of wine. Thanks Win for organising yet another really nice day out and a lively coach trip home.

Frankston go to the Dogs!

2010-07-23T00:37:00.000-07:00

A large group of happy munchers headed for their Xmas in July feast at Sandown Greyhound Taberet

It was a golden day spent with great friends and fabulous food, and to cap it off, everyone received a small gift.

Oooh! What did you get?

The other surprise was a mystery tour of Springvale because our driver misread the gig and thought we were off to the horse tract, then got caught in the back streets. It was serendipitous that a French lass showed him the way, after all, it was Bastille Day! Mon Dieu! But it all adds to the excitement.

We have plenty of great days coming up, check out our Trips List.

Margaret having a laugh

Lesley & Gwen ham it up!

Naughty Marion!

Frankston 2025

2010-07-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

2010-07-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

A hush falls over the group and deep concentration prevails as the serious business of bidding begins at the recent Biggest Morning Tea.

Every year Frankston Branch host this event, this year raising $3,486.00.

Roy McLaren runs the now "infamous" Auction and this year there was plenty to bid for. Bunnings donated a lovely garden setting, there were several large gift vouchers from the larger supermarkets and stores, and wonderful items from local traders.
In addition to the auction, there is a giant raffle, this year culminating in 52 prizes, (eh... yes, I did say 52!) all donated.

Mr Alistair Harkness, State Member for Frankston, joined in the fun by drawing some of the raffle prizes.

Chat n Chew Coming in November

2010-07-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

We are planning another of our famous "Chat n Chews" for the November meeting. These are always fun and we are arranging entertainment for the day just to liven things up a bit. Light snacks included. Keep watching for updates.

What's On

2010-07-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

Trips Listings

Ride the picturesque South Gippsland Railway
Date: 5th October please note this is the first Wednesday
Of the month as the railway only runs in school holidays
Cost: $35. lunch at own expense
Depart: 8.30 am
Pay at the September meeting.

Visit Sunny Ridge Strawberry farm for morning tea of 2 scones jam and cream.
After lunch we visit Main Ridge Dairy for a look at the baby goats and cheese tasting.
Date: 9th November
Departs 9.30am
Cost: $32 BBQ picnic lunch provided at Seawinds Park.
Pay at the October meeting.

Our annual Xmas outing this year to The Elizabethan in Warrigul.
Date: Monday 5th December note a Monday this year!
Cost: $41 subsidised by the club visitors $51
Depart 9 am
Pay at the November meeting.

All tours can be paid by a lay-By system, see Pat who is happy to provide this service for us.

PLOS presents Sound of Music. Coming in January. Contact Brian Hawley on 97700061 to reserve your seat. Good discounts.

To reserve your place on any of our trips, please send us your contact details by Click Here

Contact Us

2010-07-08T16:16:00.001-07:00

Contact Details:

Roy McLaren 97859545

Email nsafrankston@gmail.com

National Seniors Australia

PO Box 1214

Frankston VIC 3199

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About Us

2010-07-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

National Seniors is a not-for-profit membership based community organisation which has as its major objectives:

To provide economic and social benefits for people 50 years and over;
Represent its members views to Government at all levels;
To make donations and provide service and advice to charitable institutions assisting people 50 years and over.

With a membership of 280,000 and growing National Seniors is Australia's largest organisation representing those aged 50 years and over. Our membership is divided between those in the workforce, those on social security pensions and self funded retirees. National Seniors Australia offers many benefits and always welcomes new members.

Frankston Branch provides National Seniors members in Frankston and surrounding districts with a friendly, welcoming ambience, an opportunity to get together not only to meet new people and enjoy social outings but also to have their say on important issues that affect over 50s.

The Frankston Branch meets on the last Wednesday of each month at St Francis Xavier Church Hall, Davy Street, Frankston. Come for a cuppa at 9:30am, meeting starts at 10:00am We welcome new members and interested visitors.

National Seniors Australia Frankston Branch

Victorian incorporated body No: A0021438T